From downtown St. Pete's local pubs and specialty co*cktail bars to Dunedin's craft breweries, the St. Pete/Clearwater area has one of the most eclectic yet down-home bar scenes in Florida. Here’s a round-up of some of the hottest night spots in city and downtown areas.
1
Craft beers + live music + a hip downtown St. Pete location equals . This local favorite has a small and cozy interior, but most gravitate to the European-feeling courtyard. Hang out outside enjoying the tropical weather and catch the live music. Traveling with Fido? No problem – The Ale & The Witch is ultra-pet friendly.The Ale & The Witch, downtown St. Pete
2
With a self-proclaimed "eclectic and unpretentious vibe," a visit to this stylish St. Pete drinkery is a step back into a bygone era of speakeasies and bootlegging. The Mandarin Hide's menu is packed with creative co*cktails as well as a few classics.The Mandarin Hide, downtown St. Pete
3
Casual and chic, this retro craft co*cktail establishment takes you back to the days of rockabilly, pin-ups and hotrods. Most nights of the week at Ruby's Elixir you’ll find excellent live music – very danceable jazz and rock ‘n’ roll.Ruby's Elixir, downtown St. Pete
4
Check in, then check out the delicious food and craft co*cktails at No Vacancy in The Edge district of downtown St. Pete. There’s always good music and good vibes at this retro Florida themed bar in one of St. Pete’s hottest neighborhoods.No Vacancy, The Edge District St Pete
5
The Historic Peninsula Inn, Gulfport
In the art town of Gulfport is Peninsula Inn. In keeping with Gulfport’s low-key, friendly Old Florida feel, you’ll find acoustic music and blues many nights of the week here. Grab a beverage and pass the time on the wraparound veranda – it’s a prime place for people-watching.
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Gulfport’s a mellow art colony, but it does have a wild side. O'Maddy's Bar and Grille is best known for karaoke in the evenings.O'Maddy's Bar & Grille, Gulport
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The cornerstone of Dunedin’s craft beer scene is the DunedIn Brewery, which is housed in a former garage. It's big on flavor and personality and features excellent live music in a casual setting.Dunedin Brewery
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For craft beer aficionados, 7venth Sun Brewery is a stop you must make on the St. Pete/Clearwater "Craft Beer Trail". One of the newest brewers on the scene, this locale serves beer – dubbed Florida Weisse – fermented with fresh Florida fruit.7venth Sun Brewery, Dunedin
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With national acts and locally loved bands playing on a schedule of live music 7 nights a week, you're sure to catch some great rock, blues, and acoustic music at Ringside Cafe, St. Pete nightlife hotspot.Ringside Cafe, downtown St. Pete
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The official gathering spot for Tampa Bay Rays fans, Ferg’s is right next to Tropicana Field and is a favorite bar for before and after the baseball games. An enormous bar that can host 11 separate parties and events, Ferg’s backyard will fit up to 3,000 for concerts and tailgates. Ferg’s was named the Best Hangout in Tampa Bay and one of CNN’s top 101 Sports Bars in the country.Ferg’s Sports Bar, Downtown St. Pete
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The is the very definition of a “beach bar.” Rum runners, margaritas and frozen daquiris accompany live music and fried snacks. It’s exactly what you dream of when picturing a Jimmy Buffet or Zac Brown song and did you even visit Florida if you don’t stop in for a drink at a place like this?The Postcard Inn Beach Bar & Snack Shack, St. Pete Beach
12
The Par Pub
Enjoy the favorite Florida pastime of golf without the expensive gear and suffocating humid heat of being outside at the Par Pub. Play 18 holes at one of your bucket list courses. Play is $40 per hour, per bay for parties up to four people. For those not interested in golf, there’s plenty of other games and a great selection of beer and wine.
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The Shipwreck, Clearwater Beach
An icon of Clearwater Beach since 1976, The Shipwreck is a nautical themed full liquor bar that always has room for new pirates. Every night has a live DJ and happy hour is from 2 to 6 p.m.. Since the bar doesn’t close until 3 a.m. every day, you can celebrate like it’s Friday on a Tuesday and enjoy the free pool while you’re at it!
